Concept, integration and validation of sensors to quantify support torque and interaction forces of exoskeletons

21.12.2022

sensor technology | data analysis | experimentell

Motivation

In cooperation with the Austrian Space Forum and the Institute of Sport Science we develop a fatigue simulation system (FaR SiDE - Simulation System for Fatigue, Recovery and physical Stress in Demanding Environments). The Austrian Space Forum is performing Analog Missions in remote areas to improve concepts, methods and technical inventions for future manned Mars-Missions. Extra vehicular activities (EVA), where astronauts have to leave a controlled environment, are considered critical stages in such missions. An accurate monitoring of biomedical parameters is inevitable. A simulation of physiological responses manifesting the level of fatigue during the planned tasks of an EVA would be a highly beneficial planning and organization tool to lower the health risks of astronauts. To quantify the biomechanical loads produced by the exoskeletons in the suits is an important step in the early phase of this project.

Objective and aims

Developing different concepts to quantify the acute biomechanical effects of a passive exoskeleton
Implementing an appropriate concept for passive exoskeletons of the AoudaX spacesuit simulator
Validating the work with reliable objective test measurements